On this blog you will learn the basics of keeping you car in good shape. We will discuss how to perform maintenance that anyone with a basic set of mechanics tools car accomplish. We will not get into rebuilding engines, or anything that requires more than a basic understanding of cars. You can save lots of money by doing this scheduled maintenance yourself. Why trust and pay someone else to change your oil, when you can easily do it yourself. (Click Titles of Posts for more info)

Friday, December 5, 2008

New Tire Old Tire

So you are going to purchase a new set of tires for that car you love. Have you gotten a great price on a new set of tires and wondered, how can this tire be so cheap when it is new? Well the answer might be that you just purchased old but UNUSED tires. You might be surprised to know that that set of tires you purchase may very well be 1, 2, 3, or even 4 years old the day you buy them. There is a term used on many auction sites called NOS. Translated it means New Old Stock. This is a part that has never been sold, and is still in it's original wrapping or box. The item is new but it is old stock. Some parts may be over 50 years old and still be considered new, or NOS. The same goes for tires although you will never see them that old. But you may very well see a so-called new tire that is 1, 2, or 3 years old. Here is how you tell the age of the tire you are buying. Look on the sidewall for the date code. In this example you see the date code. M606 This tire was manufactured the 6th week of 2006.

You may also see this type code.

In this example the tire was manufactured the 51st week of 2007. So ask to see the date code on the tires you are purchasing. the last thing you want to do is buy a set of tires that is already 1 or 2 years old. the problem is that tires, like any rubber product, degrade over time and could present significant yet hidden risks, regardless of tread depth and appearance. If the dealer is hesitant about showing you the date code, walk out.

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About Me

Retired and have been working on automobiles for over 50 years. I have learned that the best way to care for your car is to DIY. I personally do not trust the kid working at Spiffy Lube to change my oil. If, I want it done right I do it myself. Automobiles today are very complex but some things you can still do yourself. I have years of experience working on all kinds of vehicles and want to pass along what I have learned to those wishing to DIY.